The numbers don’t seem to favor Joao Pedro. He has outperformed Neymar, but he won’t be included in the World Cup squad.
In modern football, club statistics often become subjects of intense debate. But the Brazilian national team’s coaching staff once again proves that performance statistics don’t determine a player’s role in the team. Joao Pedro scored 26 goals and made 26 assists during the season. He outperformed Neymar, Martins, Andricka, and Kuna in this regard. Nevertheless, his name isn’t included in the World Cup squad.
Why is this the case? Being selected for the national team isn’t something that can be determined by simple statistics. The coaching staff of Sevilla takes into account various factors: tactical discipline, ability to play without the ball, experience in representing the country, psychological stability, and compatibility with the team’s playing style. Vinicius and Rafinha, despite having similar or slightly better statistics, have already passed the tests of tournaments like the Copa América and the World Cup qualifiers. Neymar, even with 19 points, remains a key player in the team, serving as a playmaker.
Joao Pedro, on the other hand, is still in the process of adapting to the top level. His club achievements are impressive, but in the Brazilian national team, competition in the flanks and attacks is usually very intense. The coaching staff relies on players with proven international experience and a clear understanding of their roles in specific situations.
The decision to leave Pedro out of the squad will certainly cause controversy among analysts and fans. But football has long gone beyond simple statistics. A player’s place in the squad isn’t determined solely by goals scored. It also depends on tactical flexibility, mental toughness, and trust in the coach’s decisions. Whether these statistics will lead to a review of the strategy or just continue to be a topic of discussion will be determined by what happens during the World Cup.